La Petite Maison Noire

After moving heaven and earth to find THE perfect plot of land, François faced a new challenge: obtaining approval for a construction project in a UNESCO-listed site. Drawing inspiration from the region’s heritage, he contemplated two options: the traditional Périgourdine house and the modern touch of the iconic blackened wooden tobacco drying shed. This blend of old and new brought La Petite Maison Noire to life.

For the house’s exterior design, François went to Sapiens Architectes—a natural choice as the local-based agency focuses on “doing better with less” driven by the desire to preserve the local land. To achieve its distinctive black color, the wooden structure was coated with a mixture of charcoal and pine resin. This unique, natural technique not only gives the house its characteristic hue but also contributes to its durability by protecting the wood from insects.

In 2024, La Petite Maison Noire won the National Wood Construction Award in the “Living in a House” category, standing out among more than 700 competing projects.

The meticulous interior design is the creation of Crème Studio, co-founded by none other than François’ partner, Céline. This space, which strikes a balance between cabin charm and modern design, exudes an ultra-peaceful atmosphere, with almost everything crafted from pine. A striking exception is the magnificent walnut staircase, hewn from a single tree trunk, its off-cuts cleverly repurposed into handles for the sliding walls. The space is infused with Japanese-style inspirations, from the woven floor to the low windows and custom-made kitchen furniture, creating an ambiance that invites you to wander barefoot and immerse in the serene environment.

Amidst the sleek and minimalist yet simple design, a selection of second-hand interior furnishings seamlessly find their place. Embracing a circular approach, the large farm table was salvaged from a Bordeaux winegrower, having spent 70 years in its previous life. As an unexpected example of reuse, the 1.30 m diameter bathtub, inspired by the concept of a Norwegian bath, is, in fact, an old American cattle trough.